Savory Cheddar Cashew Lentil Loaf
This Savory Cheddar Cashew Lentil Loaf is a delightful vegetarian dish perfect for the crock pot. It combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the richness of shredded cheddar cheese and crunchy cashews, all brought together with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Cooking it in the slow cooker allows the loaf to develop deep flavors and ensures a moist, tender texture. This comforting dish is an excellent choice for a family dinner or as a nutritious plant-based option for gatherings. Serve it with a fresh salad or your favorite sauce for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cumin seed
1 tablespoon (toasted and ground)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onion
1 large (finely chopped)
celery
2 stalks (diced)
carrots
2 cups (shredded)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
chili pepper
1/2 - 1 (diced (to taste))
salt
1 teaspoon
cracked pepper
1/2 teaspoon
cooked lentils
2 cups
cheddar cheese
3 cups (shredded)
cashews
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
eggs
3 (beaten)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying an 8 by 5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
2
In a large dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds until they begin to brown and release their fragrant aroma, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the toasted seeds to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, and grind them into a fine powder. Set aside.
3
Return the skillet to the heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the finely chopped onion and diced celery, and sauté until the celery is soft, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded carrots, minced garlic, diced red and chili peppers, salt, and cracked pepper. Cook stirring occasionally for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and well mixed. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, shredded cheddar cheese, and coarsely chopped cashews. Stir in the sautéed vegetable mixture until evenly incorporated.
5
Add the beaten eggs to the mixture and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is combined.
6
Transfer the lentil mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil, securing it with a rubber band or kitchen twine to keep it sealed.
7
Place the covered loaf pan into the crock pot, adding enough boiling water around the pan to reach about 1 inch up the sides. This helps steam the loaf for even cooking.
8
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high for 4 to 5 hours until the loaf has firmed up and has set in the middle.
9
For convenience, you can prepare the loaf mixture the night before. Simply assemble the ingredients in the loaf pan and place it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, place it in the crock pot with boiling water and let it cook throughout the day.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheddar Cashew Lentil Loaf?
It is a vegetarian dish made with lentils, cheddar cheese, cashews, and vegetables, cooked in a slow cooker for a moist and tender texture.
Is this lentil loaf recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and plant-based.
How do I prepare the cumin seeds for this recipe?
Toast the cumin seeds in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
What size loaf pan is needed?
You should use an 8 by 5 inch loaf pan for this recipe.
How do I prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan?
Spray the loaf pan with cooking spray before adding the lentil mixture.
How long should I sauté the onions and celery?
Sauté the finely chopped onion and diced celery in vegetable oil for approximately 5 minutes until the celery is soft.
What vegetables are added to the sauté mixture?
The sauté includes onion, celery, shredded carrots, minced garlic, and diced red and chili peppers.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the loaf?
Yes, you can use between 1/2 to 1 diced chili pepper depending on your heat preference.
Do the lentils need to be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of previously cooked lentils.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
How should the cashews be prepared?
The cashews should be coarsely chopped to add a crunchy texture to the loaf.
How many eggs are required for the recipe?
Three beaten eggs are used to bind the ingredients together.
Why do I need to cover the loaf pan with foil?
Tightly covering the pan with aluminum foil keeps moisture in and protects the loaf during the steaming process in the crock pot.
How do I secure the aluminum foil on the pan?
Use a rubber band or kitchen twine to secure the foil tightly around the pan.
How much water should I add to the crock pot?
Add enough boiling water to the crock pot so that it reaches about 1 inch up the sides of the loaf pan.
What is the purpose of the water bath in the slow cooker?
The water bath creates steam, which helps the lentil loaf cook evenly and maintain a moist texture.
What temperature setting should I use on the crock pot?
Set the crock pot to the high setting for this recipe.
How long does the lentil loaf take to cook?
The loaf takes between 4 to 5 hours to cook on the high setting.
How do I know when the lentil loaf is ready?
The loaf is finished when it has firmed up and is completely set in the middle.
Can I prepare the lentil loaf in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the pan the night before and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
What are some suggested side dishes for this loaf?
It is excellent served with a fresh salad or your favorite savory sauce.
How much shredded carrot is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded carrots.
What kind of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
Use 2 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The loaf is seasoned with toasted ground cumin, salt, and cracked pepper.
Can I use pre-ground cumin instead of seeds?
While toasted seeds provide more depth, you can substitute pre-ground cumin if necessary.
How many celery stalks are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 diced celery stalks.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a comforting and nutritious plant-based option perfect for family meals.
Can I use boiling water in the crock pot?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends adding boiling water around the pan to facilitate the steaming process.
What is the texture of the finished loaf?
The finished loaf has a moist, tender texture with occasional crunch from the cashews.